The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-31

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Seven Dead and 36 Injured Attacks in Baghdad Mausoleum

By Vivian Papastefanou

Seven people were killed and 36 injured by mortar attacks in a Shiite mausoleum in northern Baghdad, according to an announcement by the Interior Ministry. At the time of the attacks, thousands of Shiites had formed queues in order to honor Imam Musa al-Kadhmi, the seventh Imam of the Shiites. According to Police sources, three mortars blasted in the crowd of followers, who were headed to the mausoleum. The attacks took place, regardless of the fact that Iraqi authorities had taken strict security measures at the mausoleum, since fears over eminent attacks by Sunni rebels were expressed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Karadasiou and Arvaniti Qualify

By Ilias Papaioannou

The undefeated Vaso Karadasiou and Vicky Arvaniti, who previously defeated Chinese Zang Zu and Zang, went on to crush Cubans Fernandez and Peraza 2-1 (21-19, 15-21, 15-13). The next opponents of the Greek players will be Dutch Kadjik and Mooren in a repeat game of the final of the recent European Championships in Moscow. Regardless of the games result the Greek players will play against the Dutch at 21:00 or 22:00, since double disqualification will be in effect. After the end of the premier, Karadasiou stated, "we are used to playing these games. We dont play in the defeated groups and that is good," while Arvaniti spoke of the fans presence "the people helped us a lot. I hope tomorrow there are more. Our aim is entering the 8, so tomorrows match is determinative."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Strict Warning by Nicosia Answer in Summit Meeting

By Annita Paschalinou

The answer plan of the British Presidency over the Turkish statement for the non-recognition of the Cypriot Republic caused objections on the substance and the wording of the document. "It is clear that the plan of the British Presidency has to improve in order to cover the needs of an articulate European answer which will agree with the general spirit among the Member-States," noted Greek Foreign Affairs spokesperson Giorgos Koumoutsakos. Earlier, the Cypriot government spokesperson, Mr Chrysostomidis, described the document as unacceptable, and warned that if there is not an improvement then Cyprus will not agree to the start of Turkeys accession negotiations.

Nicosia Threatens With Veto

Mr Chrysostomidis said that the answer plan incorporates British policy points and does not reflect the values of the European Union. Even if the new answer plan, which will be submitted in the Foreign Ministers Summit Meeting on Thursday, is not satisfactory then the Cypriot government will not accept for the discussion over the accession context between the EU and Turkey will not begin.

As soon as the statement plan of the British Presidency was made known to the international delegations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Molyviatis contacted his British counterpart Jack Straw and Cypriot Republic President Mr Papadopoulos.

On Thursday, the Greek FM will meet with Turkish FM Abdullah Gul in the context of the Summit Meeting.

Hard Bargains in Brussels

The British side presented its proposal in the Permanent Representatives Council that convened in Brussels. After the objections, it committed that it will present a new plan that the council will be called to adopt.

However, the notion of the "25" is that Turkey cannot insist on negotiating with a Member-State it does not recognise.

According to sources, the legal service of the Council stated that Turkey after the start of accession negotiations will be driven to the de facto recognition of Cyprus.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Discussion On Turkey's Statement Postponed

[04] 10-Year Use is not Cancerous Are Mobile Phones Innocent?

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: BBC, REUTERS, ANA

A year ago, Swede scientists of Karolinska Institute sounded the alarm with regard to the close link between mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma, a tumour of the acoustic nerve. A recent and larger-scale study that has ever been conducted dismissed the aforementioned claim. The British Institute of Cancer Research announced that the first ten years of mobile use is no way related to acoustic neuroma. But, can this fresh evidence guarantee a healthy future? Nor are the British experts themselves able to provide a solid answer and noted that only time will tell whether it is cancerous in the long run.

Experts Advise Wiser Use

The researchers of the British Institute of Cancer Research conducted tests on 4,000 people from five European countries, namely Britain, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, where mobile phone use is quite widespread. The processing of the data that included 678 people with acoustic neuroma and 3,553 healthy ones, displayed no worrying evidence, at least in the first ten years of mobile phone use.

Irrespective of the above findings, expert advice is still to limit mobile phone use as much as possible. No one questions that prevention is the best cure. The British researchers also pointed out that further follow-up is necessary in order to check the implications of a long-run mobile phone use on humans altogether. They also made it clear that the evidence recently released is the forerunner of an even more extensive study whose findings are expected to be made public in 2006.

Previous independent studies also claimed that the human body reacts when exposed to radiation. The brain is heated and nausea is therefore caused. Mobile companies, on the other hand, disagree. They answer back that no study has ever proved that electromagnetic radiation is detrimental to health.

But, where does truth lie? Health-hazardous or not, mobile phones are an integral part of everyday life of around two billion people worldwide, while only within the coming year, 780 million gadgets are believed to be bought. On their part, doctors urge users to be brief when talking on their mobile phones or at least to use hands-free. Chief Medical Health Officer of Austria Gerd Oberfeld stated that the radiation dose is what matters and, citing studies conducted by his Swedes peers, he maintained that that the risk of any cancer type is not at all insignificant. Furthermore, he argued that only in emergencies should children under 16 make use of this accessory, since their still developing brain and nervous system are highly vulnerable.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Over the Election of Mayors and Prefects Decision After Dialogue

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) and the Union of Prefectural Authorities of Greece (ENAE) will start a dialogue in September or the beginning of October, in order to take the final decision over the issue of electing Mayors and Prefects from the first round with 42 to 43%. Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated the above during his meeting with the President of ENAE Fofi Gennimata. Furthermore, they discussed the problems of Local Administration and specifically its Charter, which is expected to be completed next spring. The Minister, after the meeting, stated that the government believes that the biggest problem faced by Local Administration is the financial, which was solved after the voting of a relevant bill.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] The Main Points of Eliminating Discrimination Work Achieved on Equality

By Athina Saloustrou

The Minister for the Interior, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, and the General Secretary for Equality, Eugenia Tsoumani, referred to the main points that the government will follow for the elimination of discrimination against women, as well as the work achieved in the General Secretariat for Equality during the last 18 months. Furthermore, they announced the plan for their actions during the next semester. The Press interview was given in the context of the publication of the 2001-2004 National Report of Greece for the elimination of discrimination against women. As it emerges from the report, a negative performance is recorded in births, as well as a drop in marriages while the cases of divorce are on the increase. Moreover, a small increase in women participating in politics is observed, mainly in government from 1996 to 2004.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Efficient Use of Resources Greek Coastal Shipping at Focus

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.3 - ANA

Greek Mercantile Marine Minister Manolis Kephalogiannis briefed on Wednesday morning the Prime Minister on the course of Greek coastal shipping and the efficient use of the resource influx. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Mr Kephalogiannis discussed the finance protocol that amounts to 3 billion euros as well as four major projects to be financed by the Central European Bank along with the partnership between the private and public sector. On his part, Mr Kephalogiannis underscored that the government guarantees transport safety and noted that most ships are reliable and relatively new. As per top ranking government official, annual influxes in mercantile marine sector reach an average of 17 billion dollars, and stressed that specific standards will be announced in the coming week with regard to old ships to be employed next year.

Announcements on Coastal Shipping Policy

The Mercantile Marine Minister said that during summer, 2.5 million passengers travelled through the port of Piraeus, while more than 5 million travelled through the countrys ports altogether.

"With regard to the older ship, the government is stepping up checks to eliminate problems as much as possible," underlined Mr Kephalogiannis.

As per information, Mr Kephalogiannis will soon pass a provision enabling Greek sailors that work in ports to optionally choose NAT (Hellenic Seamens Veterans Security Fund), instead of IKA (Social Insurance Foundation).

Next week, Mr Kefaloyiannis is to make public a cluster of measures regarding coastal shipping policy. He is also expected to announce the standards that will go into effect for subsidising shipping routes to border islands.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Asking for A Collective Contract Blue Busses on Strike

By Despina Hristopoulou

The employees in the ETHEL blue busses have announced collective actions for Thursday, whilst demanding the signing of a collective employment contract. More specifically, the bus drivers will stage strikes from the beginning of the shift until 08:00 and from 21:00 to the end of the shift. In the meantime, Tram SA will stop the operation of 7 temporary ticket stalls in the tram stops of Aigaio, Floisvos, Kalamaki, Mideia, Mykalis, Panagitsa, Megalos Alexandros and Mouses.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Key Statement by British Engineer Time for Statements

By Vivian Papastefanou

One of the engineers of Helios is cited a security issue, as he refused to come to Cyprus to testify to the Greek Air Accidents and Incidents Investigative Committee, stated Cypriot Transport Minister Charis Thrassou. As per information, it is Helios Chief Engineer who had inspected the Boeing before its flight and held the last discussion with the German pilot of the aircraft. Mr Thrassou stated that the necessary procedures have been taken and the Investigative Committee will arrive in London in order to hear the statements. However, the President of the Committee, Akrivos Tsolakis refused to confirm or deny information, according to which the British Chief Engineer of Helios had announced to the Committee that at the time being he will not arrive in Cyprus or participate in the investigations. On a question of if based on International Law the engineer will have to testify, Mr Tsolakis said that that is a matter of Justice and legal handlings are needed.

In the meantime, today Helios engineers and pilots are testifying to the Greek experts. Yesterday, the air traffic control inspectors who were working in the Larnaca Control Tower that morning testified to the Committee, as well as engineers of the Cypriot Civil Aviation Authority. In the coming days, the committee will meet with pilots and crewmembers that had traveled with the aircraft. The proceedings of the Committee are taking place behind closed doors, in a specially designed area in a costal hotel in Larnaca. The President of the Committee, Mr Tsolakis, denied allegations that there is a verdict over the aircrafts crash, since investigations are underway and will be completed in at least six months. He added that the only verdict that will be issued over the causes of the crash in Grammatiko will be from the Air Accidents and Incidents Investigative Committee, while everything else that has been made public is not related to the causes of the crash.

Speedy Investigations

At the same time, the Cypriot Police has already taken 130 statements in the context of the continuing criminal investigation, in order to conclude if neglect led to the crash of the Helios Boeing. The Chief of Police, Tasos Panagiotou, stated that the investigations are well underway and being conducted in a quick pace, while a great deal of time is needed for its conclusion. Furthermore, he stated that up to now the Police has been aided by experts, among them engineers and pilots, without any problems arising. Actually, Mr Panagiotou mentioned that he met with the General Prosecutor yesterday, while it is expected that the names of the experts who will cooperate with the Police will be announced today. In the meantime, the Speaker of Cypriot Parliament, Dimitris Christofias, has convened a meeting of the parties leaders, in order for the proposal by the Democratic Coalition (DISI) over the forming of a criminal interrogators committee over the investigation of the case.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Verdict in Six Months

[10] Dialogue Starts in October University Entrance System Changes

By Athina Saloustrou

The dialogue will start in October over the changes in the national level exams of candidates in Universities and Technological Educational Institutes, while at the end of the year the final decisions will be taken in order for 9th grade students to know in which way they will enter higher education in 2008. The main aim is the disengagement of High School from national level exams. The entrance exams will not take place in High School, while in the procedure the University community will participate in. Education Minister Marietta Giannakou announced the above during a Press interview, where the Education Ministrys bill for the upgrade and evaluation in TEI was made public. The clause which is included in the bill and already announced by the Education Minister is that no one can enter Universities or TEI if they have not earned 10,000 points or a grade point average of 10.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Changes in Education

[11] Given to Low-Income Classes Possibility of Heating Benefit

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

As Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas announced, the government is investigating the event of granting a heating benefit to the low-income classes due to the upward spiral of oil prices. The Minister also announced that a new government initiative will be taken in European Union levels over the restriction of consequences from the rise of the oil prices. Previously there was the proposal for the decrease of the special consumption tax to fuels in periods of high international prices, which however was not adopted by the EU Ministerial Council.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Meetings In View of TIF and Budget Aloskoufis with FGI and GSEVEE

By Athina Saloustrou

The President of the Federation of Greek Industries (FGI), Odisseas Kyriakopoulos, after his meeting with Minister of Economy and Finance Giorgos Alogoskoufis, described the course of tourism and the economys growth rate as optimistic. The meeting took place in view of the Thessaloniki International Fair and the compilation of the new Budget, while the FGI President stated that this development will contribute in the upkeep of the growth rate at 3.5% in 2005. However, he voiced his concern over the great rise of fuel prices, which as he said affects us all. In the meantime, the leadership of the General Confederation of Small and Medium Sized Businesses (GSEVEE) asked the Minister of Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, for a special zero tax, mainly for the areas that record high unemployment rates and the advance of tax cuts in privately owned businesses. As the President of GSEVEE, Dimitris Asimakopoulos, stated after the meeting with the Minister, there should be special attention given to small businesses, a reinforcement of family businesses, the return of tax fund relief for investments and the classification of tax legislation. Mr Asimakopoulos expressed his concern over the oil prices, while when questioned over the incomes policy, concerning the negotiations with the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) over the new National General Collective Employment Contract, he said that the employee who at the same time is a consumer should have a respectable income as with a low employment cost neither the market nor the businesses move forward.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Girls on The Beach

By Ilias Papaioannou

The "golden girls" of Greek beach volleyball, Vaso Karadasiou and Vicky Arvaniti were the only Greek duo which qualified in the 2nd round of "INFOTE Athens Open," since the other three teams were defeated and did not get the chance to move on to the next rounds. Koutroumanidou and Tsiartsiani were defeated by Austrians Gschweidl and Hansel 2-1 (21-19, 13-21, 15-13), while Nikolaidou and Papageorgiou were beaten by Brazilians Adriana Behar and Shelda 0-2 (14-21, 14-21). A surprising duo which regardless of their defeat, showed their fighting spirit were Terzoglou and Tsantopoulou, who in the first game bowed to the supremacy of Brazilians Felisberta and Franca 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) and following were disqualified by Italians Lunardi and Perrotta 2-0 (21-14, 21-17). On the other hand, the "Queens of the Sand" Vaso Karadasiou and Vicky Arvaniti defeated Chinese Zang Zu and Zang 0-2 (08-21, 12-21), while tonight they will face Cubans Fernandez and Peraza. The game will be broadcast by ET1.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Reaching A Solution for "Let's Bet"

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Regardless of Socratis Kokkalis and Giorgos Orfanos two-hour discussion, the question is when exactly will the participation of the Greek teams will begin in "Lets bet". The government is anxious of entering the teams in the OPAP competition, since it will be bring in important income, but the issue remains in a legal dead end. The problem concerns the incompatible of Olympiacos participation in it, since its President is the primary shareholder of Intralot the company that has taken up its organisation. However, a solution is very near and as it all seems, September 17 will be the day that Greek teams for the first time will participate in "Lets Bet."

Incompatible Will Be Overcome

We could conclude the above after the statements by Olympiacos President, who insinuated that the problem will be soon overcome. "Whoever bets in the Greek Championship will play legally and correctly soon enough," stated the President of Olympiacos.

"There are some details still to be discussed, in order for all the Greek teams to enter "Lets Bet." The incompatible is a minor issue. What is important is a general upgrade of the Championship in which "Lets Bet" is also included in," he stated and underlined that all the problems will have been solved by September 17.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Culture refused to answer directly, stating that what is important is the upgrade of the Greek Championship. "We are awaiting the final proposals of the lawyers for the resolution of the issue. In the immediate future, initiatives will be taken for the upgrade of Greek football."

The issue of Super League, a new type of Championship, was also discussed in the meeting, an initiative, which is led by the Presidents of Panathinaikos, Giannis Vardinogiannis, and AEK, Demis Nikolaidis.

The President of Olympiacos criticized this effort, which he described as a fabricated issue. "It is not right for such proposals and fabrications to be announced two months before the Championship. It needs work. We await the proposals of the Minister for the upgrade of football."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article